Researchers analyzed Beethoven's compositions for clues of a heart condition and found striking rhythms that reflect the irregular patterns of his cardiac arrhythmia. The study suggests that Beethoven's music could be 'musical electrocardiograms,' a readout of modern heart rhythm testing equipment.
A phase 2 clinical trial found that a combination of lower-intensity chemotherapy and targeted drug trastuzumab significantly reduced the risk of cancer recurrence in women with small, HER2-positive breast tumors. After three years, 98.7% of participants were alive and free of invasive breast cancer.
Scientists successfully killed HIV-infected cells using a new technique that boosts killer T-cell response. The method could be used as part of an HIV cure strategy by awakening latent immune cells and generating an immune response.
Scientists at the University of Nottingham used magnetic levitation to manufacture wax models of tektites, which are tiny glass objects formed by asteroid impacts. The research validates numerical models of spinning droplets and provides new information on tektite formation.
Researchers aim to convert human liver cells into pancreatic beta cells using a novel factor identified in mouse studies. This strategy could provide a patient-specific, autologous cell-based therapy for type 1 and potentially type 2 diabetes.
A new report from the Lasker/IRRF Initiative for Innovation in Vision Science explores approaches to restoring sight to those with retinal degeneration. The initiative aims to identify promising methods and accelerate discovery of treatments.
A study published in British Medical Journal: Tobacco Control found that 11 top universities allow tobacco sales on 'campus cash' debit cards, which are often prepaid by parents. The research highlights the risk of students buying cigarettes with their parents' money, raising concerns about campus health policies.
Researchers created a new method to estimate global dam impacts on river flow and fragmentation using precise world map data. The study found that 48% of the world's river volume is moderately or severely affected by dams, with this number doubling if all planned dams are completed.
Researchers found that better physical functioning is associated with remission of general anxiety and PTSD symptoms in critically ill patients. The study suggests that clinicians should check for a full range of mental and physical phenomena to care for critical illness survivors.
A review article estimates the annual US cost of psoriasis in 2013 to be between $112 billion and $135 billion. The study found direct costs ranging from $51.7 billion to $63.2 billion, while indirect costs due to absenteeism or reduced work capacity ranged from $23.9 billion to $35.4 billion.
A large-scale study of nearly 64,000 Americans reveals distinct gender differences in response to potential infidelity. Heterosexual men are more likely to be upset by sexual infidelity, while heterosexual women are more likely to be upset by emotional infidelity.
A self-directed walking programme in older people did not reduce incidence of falls, despite increasing mobility levels. Physical activity levels also rose, suggesting that exercise may be useful for overall health, particularly in those under 75.
A long-term study of civilian women found that those with more PTSD symptoms had a nearly two-fold increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes. The study suggests that antidepressant use and higher body mass index associated with PTSD may mediate this relationship.
Astronomers have developed a comprehensive picture of Eta Carinae, including Hubble Space Telescope images showing ionized gas racing away from the star at high speeds. New 3-D models reveal features of the stars' interactions, including spine-like protrusions in the gas flow along the edges of a spiral cavity.
Disney Research has developed a robotic camera system that can learn from human operators to better frame shots of a basketball game. The system uses machine learning algorithms to recognize the relationship between player locations and corresponding camera configurations.
Rice University researchers have developed a new carbon capture material that can hold 114% of its weight in carbon dioxide, capturing more than current methods. The material is made from inexpensive asphalt and can be reused multiple times without degrading.
Grants for young scientists have declined, with principal investigators under 36 years old making up only 3% of NIH grant holders in 2010. This brain drain threatens the discovery of new ideas and the advancement of academic science.
Researchers identify SLC38A9 as a protein that senses amino acid arginine, activating mTORC1 signaling even in the absence of nutrients. This discovery sheds light on the mechanistic target of rapamycin complex 1 (mTORC1) pathway and its role in regulating cellular growth.
Researchers found that rates of hillslope erosion before European settlement were about an inch every 2500 years, while during peak land disturbance in the late 1800s and early 1900s, rates spiked to an inch every 25 years. This indicates a 100-fold increase in soil loss due to human activities.
Patients with low illness acceptance have lower energy, more severe pain, and negative emotional reactions, leading to social isolation. Acceptance of illness is crucial for effective treatment and improved daily functioning.
Scientists have found evidence that ribosomes are not just passive translators of DNA but also have their own genetic information and may be responsible for creating proteins. The discovery challenges traditional views on the evolution of life and suggests a new spin on feeling kinship with other creatures.
A recent study by the Wildlife Conservation Society found that human behaviors, such as disturbance, may be driving changes to bird communities in residential areas. Despite contrasting geographies, exurban development appeared to have similar effects on birds in two regions, with some species benefiting and others negatively impacted.
Researchers at the University of Kansas are developing an iPhone and Android app called iChequIt that gauges Ebola risk based on social media posts and contact-tracing records. The app will provide users with a running score of their likelihood of contact with the deadly virus, but it's not meant to advise people how to live their lives.
Scientists at Johns Hopkins Medicine have found that the flow of calcium ions into synapses activates CaMKII, which then unhooks SynGAP from scaffolding, spurring Ras signaling to begin. This discovery moves neuroscientists closer to understanding how learning and memory work and developing interventions for problems related to them.
Research published in Springer's Obesity Surgery journal reveals that individuals who undergo weight-reducing bariatric surgery may face discrimination when interviewing for jobs. People are more likely to view someone who lost weight through exercise and dieting as more employable than one who had the procedure.
A new study by the University of Waterloo has found that heavy metal emissions from Alberta's oil sands have not increased contaminant levels in the Athabasca River, despite concerns from local communities. The research developed a novel approach to determine pre-industrial baseline levels of metals in river sediment.
Researchers are developing treatments for Niemann-Pick disease type C using cyclodextrin and delta-tocopherol, which have shown promise in studies of patient skin cells and animal models. The goal is to reduce lipid accumulation and improve symptoms in patients with this devastating rare disease.
A new tool assesses radiotherapy-related toxicities in lung cancer patients using patient-reported outcomes, revealing strongest agreement with quality-of-life measures. The study found that clinicians' recorded toxicities underestimated their severity, highlighting the potential for early detection and improved treatment.
A new automated method developed by Disney Research uses AI to select and order photos in a way that makes narrative sense, telling a compelling story. The system learns principles of selecting and ordering photos from large collections and can customize the process for individual preferences.
A team of Yale and Johns Hopkins researchers identified a strategy to stimulate killer T cells to target and destroy infected cells harboring dormant viruses. The study suggests that directing CTL responses to unaltered pieces of virus may be the future direction for developing a therapeutic vaccine to clear HIV.
A team of researchers at Georgia State University has made groundbreaking discoveries in the tryptophan kynurenine pathway, a metabolic pathway linked to psychiatric and neurodegenerative disorders. The study reveals an unexpected enzymatic activity that could lead to new drug design for these diseases.
A longitudinal cohort study of 49,739 women found a dose-response relationship between PTSD symptoms and increased risk of type 2 diabetes. The researchers also identified antidepressant use and elevated body mass index as significant contributors to the association.
Researchers found improvement in movement and motor skills in people with Huntington's after one month of triheptanoin therapy. The study showed that the synthetic oil could improve brain metabolism in early stages of the disease.
Psoriasis affects 3.2% of the US population, with annual costs ranging from $51.7 billion to $135 billion, including direct healthcare costs, absenteeism, and intangible effects on mental health.
A third of oil reserves, half of gas reserves, and over 80% of current coal reserves globally should remain in the ground if global warming is to stay below the 2°C target. The study identifies regions that stand to lose most from achieving this goal, including China, Russia, and the United States.
The article highlights the lack of injury data in youth rugby, putting junior players at risk. Creative match scheduling and preseason training can help improve safety, but a comprehensive dataset is needed to set rational policies.
A study published in Geology highlights the dangers of coral reefs facing erosion due to ocean acidification and nutrient pollution. The researchers found that bioeroders can thrive in waters with high nutrient levels and low pH conditions, tipping the balance towards erosion.
Research by Baylor University's Keith Sanford found that withdrawing from conflicts can lead to lower relationship satisfaction, while expecting a partner to mind-read can hinder communication and anger. The study identified two types of disengagement: withdrawal and passive immobility.
A novel nanowire coating for clothes generates heat and traps body warmth more effectively than regular clothes. The technology could help reduce our reliance on conventional energy sources and save up to 1,000 kilowatt hours per person every year.
The U.S. Department of Energy's Argonne National Laboratory is partnering with three leading nuclear companies to address technical challenges in advanced reactor design. The partnership aims to create next-generation reactors with improved safety and efficiency.
Recent studies using brain imaging show promise in predicting future behaviors such as reading performance, math skills, criminality, and response to treatment. The technology may help identify individuals at high risk of failure, allowing for early interventions and prevention strategies.
A new study reveals that adolescents have dramatic misperceptions about their peers' behaviors, leading to conformity to social norms. Teens overestimate the amount of drug- and alcohol-use and sexual behaviors among their peers, while underestimating the time spent on studying or exercise.
The year saw major advances in solar cells and treatments for Ebola, as well as efforts to label GMO products and restrict neonicotinoid use. The American Chemical Society highlighted its impact on research, policy, and industry through various initiatives.
Researchers at Emory University and Nagoya University developed a novel concise entry to dictyodendrins, a family of natural products with potential cancer chemotherapy and treatment for Alzheimer's disease. The study demonstrates sequential C-H functionalization can streamline the construction of complex structures.
Researchers at UNH have successfully grown bulbing onions planted in fall using low tunnels, allowing for a spring harvest. The study found that cultivar selection plays a critical role in successful overwintering of onion production systems in cold climates.
A new study on ancient dogs in the Americas found that dogs may have first successfully migrated to the continent around 10,000 years ago. Genetic analysis revealed four previously unseen genetic signatures and low genetic diversity in some populations, suggesting dog breeding by humans.
Research suggests that in certain cultures, such as Japan, expressing anger is associated with reduced biological health risk, rather than increased risk. In contrast, in Western societies like the US, managing or suppressing anger is linked to better health outcomes.
Researchers at HKUST developed a novel nanobowl optical concentrator to enhance light trapping in organic photovoltaic devices. The device achieved a 28% improvement in power conversion efficiency, outperforming control devices without the nanobowl structure.
A new technique allows scientists to trace and spatially map 'mosaic' mutations in the brain, providing a significant advance for genetics research. This capability enables the study of both normal brains and brain disorders such as epilepsy and autism, offering new avenues for investigation.
Researchers found that eating one avocado a day as part of a moderate-fat diet can improve bad cholesterol levels in overweight and obese individuals. The study also showed favorable results for total cholesterol, triglycerides, small dense LDL, non-HDL cholesterol, and other cardio-metabolic risk factors.
The EHT model describes the mode of action of channelrhodopsin-2 as a twisted retinal group triggering a pore opening and water entry. This understanding enables targeted protein engineering for specific applications.
Researchers at SISSA found that re-enacting emotional expressions through facial movements enhances memory recall of corresponding emotions. This suggests motor information is encoded during storage and retrieval phases.
A new study of over 40,000 cases of brain trauma in children reveals that falling from bikes or scooters is the leading cause of injury in kids under 12. The findings emphasize the importance of safety helmets and seatbelts to reduce severity.
Researchers developed novel indicators to assess and quantify 'progress' and 'value' in cancer research. The PACE Continuous Innovation Indicators provide a visual representation of progress over time, helping identify gaps and needs.
A study by Case Western Reserve University found Ohio's Behavioral Health/Juvenile Justice initiative benefits young offenders diverted to community-based agencies for mental health treatment and substance abuse help. Most showed improvements in functioning and decreased delinquency symptoms.
Scientists developed a novel paste based on calcium and phosphorus to address tooth sensitivity, which can lead to more serious dental problems. The new material plugs exposed tubes more deeply than other treatments, providing longer-lasting relief.
Researchers have derived a new set of equations that allows for calculating electron paramagnetic resonance transition probabilities with arbitrary alignment and polarization. This progress is relevant for a broad community of EPR users and has been demonstrated with a newly designed THz-EPR experiment at HZB's storage ring BESSY II.
A recent study found that incorporating one avocado per day into a moderate-fat, cholesterol-lowering diet significantly lowers LDL and total cholesterol levels. The researchers tested three diets, including one with an added avocado, and found the avocado diet to be more effective in reducing bad cholesterol.
A comprehensive analysis found that the NIH spends only 7-9% of its budget on behavioral interventions to prevent NCDs, despite 70% of US deaths being due to these diseases. Increasing funding for prevention research could save lives and reduce healthcare costs.
Physicists at Griffith University demonstrate the potential for quantum steering to be used to enhance data security over long distances. This technique allows for perfectly secure communication between two parties without requiring absolute trust in devices, making it suitable for scenarios where standard methods fail.
Researchers at UC Santa Barbara have developed a method to target inflamed tissues by utilizing monocytes, which can be attached to 'cellular backpacks' coated with antibodies. These particles can deliver therapeutic agents to the site of inflammation, potentially improving treatment outcomes and reducing side effects.
Researchers at Dartmouth Hitchcock's Norris Cotton Cancer Center developed a prognostic test for E2F4 in ER+ breast cancer, significantly predicting patient outcome regardless of treatment status. The test identifies patients who should receive aggressive follow-up treatment.
The Deep Space Climate Observatory will capture the entire sunlit side of Earth in one image, providing unprecedented atmospheric data and insights into global weather patterns. The launch marks a significant improvement in solar wind speed measurement and complement NASA's larger missions.
A study found that TV crime news over-represented Muslims (81%) and Latinos (97%) as perpetrators and victims, while under-representing African-Americans, despite FBI reports showing different demographics.
A UC Riverside study found that geckos without an adhesive system evolved faster in terms of morphology and locomotion. This suggests that losing adaptations can be beneficial for the species, allowing it to occupy a new niche.
A new study by University of Kansas professors found that partisanship among the most educated Americans can lead to a divergence in fact understanding. Well-educated respondents disagreed more along partisan lines than less-educated respondents on highly politicized issues, suggesting education alone may not be enough to create consen...
A recent study published in Transport Policy found that many North American cities prioritize environmental and congestion-reduction goals over social-equity objectives. Researchers analyzed 18 metropolitan areas and identified clear indicators for promoting social equity, such as changes in accessibility to desired destinations and di...
A NASA/Goddard Space Flight Center satellite image on January 7, 2015, revealed a blanket of northern snow and lake-effect snow from the Great Lakes. The cold front brought Arctic air as far south as Florida and stretched back over the Gulf of Mexico.
Research shows that defensins can disable bacterial toxins by binding to specific locations on these proteins, triggering misfolding. This discovery offers a promising model for developing drugs that could mimic the activity of defensins and reduce pathogens' infectious power.
Researchers have identified distinct gene pathways altered by infection and diet in vascular tissue, suggesting future therapies may need to be tailored. This discovery sheds light on the complex development of atherosclerosis and its association with infections like Porphyromonas gingivalis and Chlamydia pneumoniae.
Researchers found that exposure to diesel exhaust for just two hours can alter DNA methylation, changing the expression of approximately 400 genes. This epigenetic shift can have long-term effects on health, even without noticeable symptoms.
A 2013 survey of radiation oncologists found that peer review is a common practice in medicine, but there is wide variation in its performance. Seventy-eight percent of respondents reported being involved in peer review, and 74% expressed interest in formal guidelines to improve the process.
A new study found that high-dose testosterone therapy can suppress advanced prostate cancers and reverse resistance to testosterone-blocking drugs. Seven of the 14 men showed a significant decrease in PSA levels, while four stayed on testosterone therapy for up to 24 months with continued low PSA levels.
Disney Research creates a method for automatically reviewing nighttime giraffe behavior videos and creating a summary of unusual behaviors. The system can detect rare events in real-time, allowing wildlife experts to better understand giraffe health and safety.
Nate Silver will receive the 2015 JPBM Communications Award for his innovative use of statistics and probability to make accurate predictions in various fields, including politics and baseball. The award recognizes his ability to communicate complex mathematical concepts to a broad audience.
Researchers discover that HIV's ability to mutate beyond recognition evades the immune system. A new study finds that training killer T cells to recognize unaltered viral protein segments can reawaken the natural killer instinct, killing 61% of HIV-infected cells.
Researchers found that family function is affected by the mental illness diagnosis type and caregiver sense of coherence. Caregiver strain and client dependence are associated with greater family disruption. Interventions for all family members may improve cohesion and support.
A study published in Nature suggests that gut bacteria can utilize yeast carbohydrates, potentially supporting the development of new treatments for yeast infections and autoimmune diseases. The research identified a specific bacterium, Bacteroides thetaiotaomicron, with the ability to degrade complex carbohydrates in yeast cell walls.
A research team at McGill University has identified a complex of neurons in the lateral prefrontal cortex that interact to filter visual information while ignoring distractions. The discovery has far-reaching implications for understanding diseases such as autism, ADHD, and schizophrenia.
Scientists at UCL have discovered the root of the problem in making blue LEDs by examining gallium nitride's unusual behavior using sophisticated computer simulations. The study reveals that doping with magnesium is necessary to achieve the desired properties, but the complexity of the process was previously unknown.
Two studies found a unique molecule that can repair damaged nerve cells by locating and clearing out bad cells. The phosphatidylserine receptor (PSR-1) also helps reconnect broken nerve fibers in the regeneration process.
Researchers discovered that despite cultural differences, listeners from various groups responded similarly to the excitement and calmness of music. The study used emoticons and physiological measurements to compare reactions to Western and Pygmy music.
A new study found that magnesium intake, genes, and ethnicity interact to determine type 2 diabetes risk in postmenopausal women. The study analyzed data from the Women's Health Initiative and found specific interactions between diet, genetics, and ethnicity.
Researchers developed a new self-assembled material that can amplify small variations in temperature and concentration of biomolecules, making it suitable for biosensors and drug delivery systems. The material's unique response to changes in temperature and concentration could lead to significant advancements in sensing technology.
Researchers at UNC Chapel Hill created inhalable vaccines targeting lung diseases by modifying particle surface charge, inducing local and systemic immune responses. This novel approach may lead to improved vaccine accessibility in low-resource areas without refrigeration requirements.
A microfluidic system enables serial formation of cell membranes and measurement of processes taking place on them. The system allows for the creation of stable and functional membranes, opening the road to high-throughput studies of cell membrane mechanisms.
A study by researchers at NYU and McGill University found that monolingual infants expect others to understand only one language, while bilingual infants do not share this assumption. The findings suggest that infants may see a good communication partner as someone who speaks the same language they were raised with.